3/21/2010 -- 4 Night Disney Wonder Spring Break Cruise

[WPoohgirl]

That'll make it easy to deliver FE gifts!



I've added your family to the first post. You're definitely not too late to join our FE list. Just let me know your stateroom # and I'll add it to the first post as well.

Allears is a great place for Disney info. I remember when it used to be called the WDW Information Guide. I still use the site for research all of the time. I like the interactiveness of the DIS as you can ask questions and get answers almost immediately.

A couple of questions for you about the Wonder:

1. At the kids club graduation, do they get t-shirts? I read that they don't get the Mickey ears on the Wonder, but I wonder about the t-shirts.

2. What is your favorite Nassau excursion? Or do you just stay on the ship?

Any other helpful hints to enjoy the 4-night trips?

Thank you so much!!! Tried to post this in the AM but we just got our cable and internet back due to snow!
To answer your questions,
1. At the kids club graduation they get Disney U. t-shirts but that is all we have ever received.

2. To be perfectly honest. DH and I lived in St. John USVI and have absolutely no interest in the Bahamas. We stay on the boat and have an absolute blast because there is no one in the pools or the spa!! It is really lovely. There are still all the activities, much fewer people. My family all had 2 way radios to communicate which worked out really well.

My DD turned 13 in Nov and has been itching to get in “Aloft teen program" I am a little hesitant but she also wanted to spend time with DS who is 11 in the oceaneer. I am waiting to see what happens with the new kids program. Honestly I just hope they find some nice friends to hang out with and be happy. We have few relatives, so never travel without them. The cruise is great because my husband and I get time alone but we are still with them.

Should we bring a couple of different little gifts for the FE? One for each day or a couple of days? You will let us know the number of people as we draw closer? Not certain about proper etiquette.

We live in the Hudson Valley, NY but I am from Maine and my husband from Cincinnati. Been to Disney World at least 6 times, the cruise 2x. I have been just waiting (two years) to get back on that boat. The last time was so wonderful we all wept when we left. I went to cut my son's meat and the waiter said no, mommy is on vacation and took the knife and fork from me. I gazed up at him with adoration and told him I loved him!!!!!!!!! We both work in the hotel business, my husband is an IT Director (ex chef too) and I was in the sales dept until I stopped work 4 years ago to spend more time with my children. I substitute teach (assistant) at their school. I love to bake and make candy. My DH is passionate about cycling (bike) and running.

The service is one of the chief reasons we go on DCL. I have worked almost every aspect of a hotel (trained @Hyatt) and we both notice everything. When you are heavily trained in hospitality, you cannot help it. You see how everything is done, if people smile and greet you by name etc.

Well, sorry for the huge post!! We are in 7506. Looking forward to hopefully meeting you all! Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Wendy

PS, KSDisney Dad loved all of your pictures. Felt like I was on the cruise again.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I was thinking we could do a pre-cruise meet online. A good way to kind of introduce ourselves prior to the big 4-day vacation.

What do you guys think?

My name is Karen. DH and I are from Ohio (alwaysabuckeye) and have been married for 15 years Time flies when you are having fun! We graduated from the University of Cincinnati and love Buckeye and Bearcat sports.

DH LOVES all sports. There is something always on TV that HAS to be watched Anyone following March Madness Sunday? I am sure DH will have to watch one of the games or at least get updated. We both love to cook, so maybe we'll do one of the cooking classes, if offered, while on board. We are also thinking of doing a wine tasting or martini tasting (or both)

DH is in the snack food business. He is responsible for manufacturing some of those yummy treats you get from store shelves. Trying to stay away from them until AFTER the cruise

My girls are wonderful and are so excited for the cruise. They are princess and mickey happy right now (as am I).

We are looking forward to the girls having a vacation, the family having a vacation and Mom & Dad having a vacation. THAT is why we booked the Disney Cruise. Everyone gets taken care of

Looking forward to meeting everyone and delivering the FE gifts. My oldest doesn't quite understand it, but likes that we will be delivering little gifts and magically getting some surprises too.

Have fun preparing in the next few weeks and see you soon...

Great idea and I'll post something about us tomorrow.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I have so many little "projects" going on that I need to quit and just do one at a time to get them done

OMGosh I know that feeling! I am the queen of this!
I did finally start making our t-shirts today. I would have finished them if the shirt company I ordered from would have sent the right size! They sent XXL instead of L. Don't think that'll work for my 16 year old.

I started to panic today when I realized that I only have this weekend and next to get everything ready!!!! Agh!!! DH recently lost 25 pounds so he has no shorts to fit him so next weekend we are going shopping.

I feel like I have so much to do in so little time!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Thank you so much!!! Tried to post this in the AM but we just got our cable and internet back due to snow!
To answer your questions,
1. At the kids club graduation they get Disney U. t-shirts but that is all we have ever received.

Thanks. On the Magic they also received Mickey ear mortorboards.


2. To be perfectly honest. DH and I lived in St. John USVI and have absolutely no interest in the Bahamas. We stay on the boat and have an absolute blast because there is no one in the pools or the spa!! It is really lovely. There are still all the activities, much fewer people. My family all had 2 way radios to communicate which worked out really well.

We were looking to stay on the ship as well that day. However, we've never been to Nassau and weren't sure if we could do something at Atlantis such as the calendar.

My DD turned 13 in Nov and has been itching to get in “Aloft teen program" I am a little hesitant but she also wanted to spend time with DS who is 11 in the oceaneer. I am waiting to see what happens with the new kids program. Honestly I just hope they find some nice friends to hang out with and be happy. We have few relatives, so never travel without them. The cruise is great because my husband and I get time alone but we are still with them.

My niece and son will be in the teen program too. I'm not sure how often they'll spend in it as they'll hang out with my 12 year old as well. Edited to add: I got ahead of myself. My niece is turning 13 in May so she won't be eligible for the teen club so I doubt if our kids will be there as they'll want to hang out together.


Should we bring a couple of different little gifts for the FE? One for each day or a couple of days? You will let us know the number of people as we draw closer? Not certain about proper etiquette.

The rule for fish extender is that there are no rules. Just hang one out and let everyone know your room number. We often didn't know who the gifts were from, but I would say that most people did write their names on the gift. Because they're so few of us, if you want to do more than one gift, I think that would be okay but please don't feel obligated to do so.

We live in the Hudson Valley, NY but I am from Maine and my husband from Cincinnati. Been to Disney World at least 6 times, the cruise 2x. I have been just waiting (two years) to get back on that boat. The last time was so wonderful we all wept when we left. I went to cut my son's meat and the waiter said no, mommy is on vacation and took the knife and fork from me. I gazed up at him with adoration and told him I loved him!!!!!!!!! We both work in the hotel business, my husband is an IT Director (ex chef too) and I was in the sales dept until I stopped work 4 years ago to spend more time with my children. I substitute teach (assistant) at their school. I love to bake and make candy. My DH is passionate about cycling (bike) and running.

The service is one of the chief reasons we go on DCL. I have worked almost every aspect of a hotel (trained @Hyatt) and we both notice everything. When you are heavily trained in hospitality, you cannot help it. You see how everything is done, if people smile and greet you by name etc.

Well, sorry for the huge post!! We are in 7506. Looking forward to hopefully meeting you all! Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Wendy

PS, KSDisney Dad loved all of your pictures. Felt like I was on the cruise again.

We too enjoy DCL service. I've never cruised on another cruise line so have nothing to compare it to. My parents even commented on how wonderful the service is even compared to WDW. I was hoping that the Wonder shared in the same excellent service as the Magic.

 

[WPoohgirl]

OMGosh I know that feeling! I am the queen of this!
I did finally start making our t-shirts today. I would have finished them if the shirt company I ordered from would have sent the right size! They sent XXL instead of L. Don't think that'll work for my 16 year old.

I started to panic today when I realized that I only have this weekend and next to get everything ready!!!! Agh!!! DH recently lost 25 pounds so he has no shorts to fit him so next weekend we are going shopping.

I feel like I have so much to do in so little time!

Mommyofthreeboys,
Your post was so ironic!!!! My DH just lost 25 pounds and we went to Target last night and bought him all new shorts and a swimsuit!!!!!! We also got our t-shirts there and iron on print stuff!!! Never in my life have I been able to have everyone ready ahead of time, but this trip I am.
Good luck with all our pre-cruise prep. I am going out today to try to obtain materials to fudge my own FE. Just warning you all, it will probably not be pretty...

Have a great day everyone!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I was thinking we could do a pre-cruise meet online. A good way to kind of introduce ourselves prior to the big 4-day vacation.

What do you guys think?

Well, it's me (Christopher), my wife June and our 3 boys - 14, 12 and 8. My oldest turns 15 in a couple of months and is itching to get his learner's permit. Very scary!!!

We've been in Colorado for 3 years. Prior to that we lived in Olathe, KS for 8 years. We came to Colorado to be closer to my wife's family who will be joining us for this cruise. It's her mother, sister and brother-in-law and two nieces -- ages 12 and nearly 9. We just found out this past week that my brother-in-law's parents are also joining our party. We'll have 12 at our dinner table each night!

My wife just started home-schooling our youngest. We just registered my oldest in high school and he's anxious to start their football program. The youngest two will be starting baseball in March.

I'm in accounting -- we almost returned to Missouri around the first of the year. I had a great job offer in Columbia, MO but turned it down for a variety of reasons. Turning it down is why my wife now home schools.

We thoroughly enjoy our Disney cruises. We've been to WDW about 15 times and this is our 4th Disney cruise. We have two more cruises booked for 2011-- 5 nights on the Dream for the entire family and a 14-night anniversary trip with just the two of us. We thought about joining the vacation club, but since we enjoy cruising more, it didn't make sense.

 

[EOppegaard]

Add us to the list

Myself and my better half will be aboard for our first 4 night, and our second Disney Cruise!

Stateroom is GTY, so feel free to stop by

Will be sure to update everyone. I am also going to order a FE from eBay, as I think they are a pretty awesome idea, and I have no problem supporting a user putting their skills to work

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Add us to the list

Myself and my better half will be aboard for our first 4 night, and our second Disney Cruise!

Stateroom is GTY, so feel free to stop by

Will be sure to update everyone. I am also going to order a FE from eBay, as I think they are a pretty awesome idea, and I have no problem supporting a user putting their skills to work

I've added you to the list on page one as well as noted that you'd like to participate in the FE exchange. I'm surprised your final paperwork with your stateroom number hasn't arrived yet. Regardless, just let me know when you get it and I'll add it to the first post.

When & which itinerary was your other DCL cruise?

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

I am also going to order a FE from eBay, as I think they are a pretty awesome idea, and I have no problem supporting a user putting their skills to work

I ordered mine from e-bay also. It is so cute! I am very happy with it.

WELCOME to our group by the way!

 

[EOppegaard]

Sounds awesome, just got our room assignment, stateroom 6003

 

[EOppegaard]

I'm surprised your final paperwork with your stateroom number hasn't arrived yet. Regardless, just let me know when you get it and I'll add it to the first post.

I'm not...Erica is a current cast member, and I am a former cast member...so needless to say we are on a cheap cruise for us, Disney puts us wherever

When & which itinerary was your other DCL cruise?

We last sailed December 11th-14th on a three night voyage with the wonder.

 

[5CruisersCruising]

I can't believe we leave in 19 days!!! I think I've finally got the packing list figured out...this is a lot more work than a week on the beach! We usually grab some shorts, t-shirts and a couple swimsuits each. I don't want to take too much so I am trying to plan ahead. This is our first cruise so I'm sure I'm overdoing a few things - oh well! My kids are excited to dress up for dinner one night and for pirate night so I bought everyone a new outfit - so much for the vacation budget! : )

We are in 2 cabins - 6585 and 6587. I booked kind of late and this worked out to be our best deal.

I'm hoping to get out this week to find supplies for our FE's and to find some fun gifts for everyone. I know my kids will be so excited to see what they get! FE's are great!

I'll post later for 'our story'. Happy planning everyone!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Here's the current FE participant list:

1. * KSDisneyDad (Christopher), and Junesgoofy (June), DS14, DS12 and DS8 Stateroom 8038
2. * mommyofthreeboys (Christina), DH, DS16, DS11, DS8 Stateroom 8536
3. * 5CruisersCruising, DH, DS11, DD8 and DD5 Staterooms 6585 and 6587
4. * twins-and-1 (Melanie), DH (Ted), DD10, DD10, DD6 Stateroom 8036
5. * alwaysabuckeye (Karen), DH, DD5, DD3 Stateroom 7596
6. * tweet, DH, DS13 Stateroom ????
7. * WPoohgirl, DH, DD13, DS11 Stateroom 7506
8. * EOppegarrd, DW Stateroom 6003

Let me know if there are any changes or if anyone else wants to participate!

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

What do you guys think?

My name is Karen. DH and I are from Ohio (alwaysabuckeye) and have been married for 15 years Time flies when you are having fun! We graduated from the University of Cincinnati and love Buckeye and Bearcat sports.

DH LOVES all sports. There is something always on TV that HAS to be watched Anyone following March Madness Sunday? I am sure DH will have to watch one of the games or at least get updated. We both love to cook, so maybe we'll do one of the cooking classes, if offered, while on board. We are also thinking of doing a wine tasting or martini tasting (or both)

What a great idea! I'll do my intro later.

Just wanted to say our husbands will get along great!!! DH is a sports freak and also has all ready asked me where he can watch the March Madness games. Go UC! (HA!)

I also want to do the martini tasting.

Nice to "meet" you.

 

[junesgoofy]

I can't believe how relaxed am I about this cruise! I better start getting ready. Our last cruise as a family was our 15-night LA to PC cruise in 2008 and we were gone for three weeks total so I planned for months. It was a big deal. This four night cruise seems like nothing but I know the time will fly and we will be leaving soon.

Who wants to have a Dis meet on the ship? We could try to meet a couple different times the day we board the ship. Maybe the first time we can meet in the cruise terminal. KSDisneyDad and I can bring some type of flag to let everyone know where we are waiting. We don't know the order everyone will be boarding the ship so this way those that are left behind can continue to chat until everyone has boarded. Another might be sometime between the first show/first dinner and the second show/second dinner at 7:45 p.m. Let me know what all of you think. We could make the meeting place the Walt Disney Theatre lobby which is between the gift shops and the Walt Disney Theatre. Let me know what you all think.

What is really fun for me is talking and planning with those that have never been. I sure wish we would have known about this board before we took our first cruise back in 2005!

I am also looking forward to seeing the Wonder since I've been on the Magic 29 nights and know it pretty well. I am sure it is just as awesome!

See you real soon!
June

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

Just wanted to say our husbands will get along great!!! DH is a sports freak and also has all ready asked me where he can watch the March Madness games. Go UC! (HA!)

There couldn't possibly be two sports freaks out there...the "wife fairy" would never let that happen...would she?

I started pulling clothes to pack yesterday...then looked at the weather in Nassau...brrr...a little chilly still. Hoping it warms up a bit. My original plan was to pack one large suitcase and two carry-ons (one dedicated to adult beverages and water) for the four of us...wanna bet that doesn't happen?!



Junesgoofy: we are up for a meet. We are going to be at the terminal bright and early. We are on the first shuttle from our hotel...so I am guessing we'll be there by 10:30.

We're hitting upper 50's this weekend here...now I am even more excited for the cruise. Warm weather...here we come!

 

[WPoohgirl]

On the subject of meeting...maybe we could all meet after the sail-away party. I think most of us will be there. The boat drill is just before and then we roll into the deck party if I remember correctly. Maybe we could meet on the upper most deck on port or starboard? The teen club is up there but I don't remember which side.

I just got my FE done and I am rather proud of it actually. It is definitely homemade!! I am finishing some pirate t-shirts today. I glued practically the whole FE and took someones advice and bought canvas bags which made everything much easier. The only thing was the transfer paper didn't do as well on the brightly canvas bags. Oh well!! So excited to get on that ship. I also am very excited about the FE so thank you all for including me. Good luck with the packing!!
Hope you all have a great day! Wendy

 

[KSDisneyDad]

What a great idea! I'll do my intro later.

Just wanted to say our husbands will get along great!!! DH is a sports freak and also has all ready asked me where he can watch the March Madness games. Go UC! (HA!)

I also want to do the martini tasting.

Nice to "meet" you.

How funny. We were just looking at Navigators from a recent 4-night to see what activities occur while the ship is at Nassau. I saw the Martini tasting and said that I'd like to finally try it this time! We've done two wine tastings in the past and really enjoyed them. I just thought it'd be fun to try the martini tasting this time, especially for the chocolate martini.

If you want to see the recent Navigators, try this website. There are also sample menus, etc. to explore.

http://*******************/w100131/w4day0.htm

ETA: I can't believe the DIS wouldn't let me post a link to that website! I guess she does compete against Dreams Unlimited. I'm not advocating any TA, but the site has excellent info on it. Oh well, the website is D!sneycru!ser.!nfo The ! signs are obviously an "i".

On the subject of meeting...maybe we could all meet after the sail-away party. I think most of us will be there. The boat drill is just before and then we roll into the deck party if I remember correctly. Maybe we could meet on the upper most deck on port or starboard? The teen club is up there but I don't remember which side.

I just got my FE done and I am rather proud of it actually. It is definitely homemade!! I am finishing some pirate t-shirts today. I glued practically the whole FE and took someones advice and bought canvas bags which made everything much easier. The only thing was the transfer paper didn't do as well on the brightly canvas bags. Oh well!! So excited to get on that ship. I also am very excited about the FE so thank you all for including me. Good luck with the packing!!
Hope you all have a great day! Wendy

Congrats on finishing the FE! Can you post a picture?

We didn't suggest meeting after the deck party as that's usually a time of unpacking and getting ready for early dining or the first evening show. We also like to take some time to enjoy watching the ship go out to sea.

We thought it'd be more relaxed at 7:45 as that's usually just a gathering time, picture taking out front of the restaurants, etc. However, we're open for suggestions from everyone as those at early dining may be anxious to get a seat in the theater for the show.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

There couldn't possibly be two sports freaks out there...the "wife fairy" would never let that happen...would she?

I started pulling clothes to pack yesterday...then looked at the weather in Nassau...brrr...a little chilly still. Hoping it warms up a bit. My original plan was to pack one large suitcase and two carry-ons (one dedicated to adult beverages and water) for the four of us...wanna bet that doesn't happen?!



Junesgoofy: we are up for a meet. We are going to be at the terminal bright and early. We are on the first shuttle from our hotel...so I am guessing we'll be there by 10:30.

We're hitting upper 50's this weekend here...now I am even more excited for the cruise. Warm weather...here we come!

We'll be at the terminal early too. I hope to be there around 10:30 am to drop off everyone at the port and head over to the rental car agency.

Are you staying at the Radisson? We stayed there for our very first cruise. There's a great Italian restaurant next door (within walking distance). There's also a gas station next door to pick up bottled water for the cruise. Just be prepared to hold your ground for those early shuttle pickups! The Radisson was pretty good about enforcing time slots, because there were some others who had later scheduled times trying to catch an earlier shuttle.

 

[alwaysabuckeye]

We'll be at the terminal early too. I hope to be there around 10:30 am to drop off everyone at the port and head over to the rental car agency.

Are you staying at the Radisson? We stayed there for our very first cruise. There's a great Italian restaurant next door (within walking distance). There's also a gas station next door to pick up bottled water for the cruise. Just be prepared to hold your ground for those early shuttle pickups! The Radisson was pretty good about enforcing time slots, because there were some others who had later scheduled times trying to catch an earlier shuttle.

Yes, we are at the Radisson. We wanted to stay somewhere close, that had a shuttle and had some places to eat around it within walking distance because we won't have a car.

I placed my shuttle reservation about a month ago with the Radisson, so hopefully that goes smoothly. Maybe I will call today and double check that they still have my reservation down for 10am

I'm almost done with my FE gifts. Only three more to go! I think I am going to have to mail them ahead though. I'm not going to have much room. Would you recommend that I mail them to the hotel or to the cruise ship? I don't want anything to get lost in transit.

Two weeks for us as our trip starts two weeks from 1 o'clock today...woohoo!!!